Atif Rana highlights PSL's role in promoting young talent
In an exclusive conversation on SAMAA Digital’s program Zor Ka Jor, Lahore Qalandars' owner Atif Rana emphasized the unique attributes of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), comparing it to India's IPL.
He stated that while IPL’s strength lies in Bollywood, PSL's hallmark is its young talent. He credited PSL for bringing players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman into the limelight.
Addressing the prospect of signing David Warner for Lahore Qalandars, Atif Rana remarked that star players are essential for leagues in their formative stages.
He explained that all PSL teams, including Lahore Qalandars, have now become strong brands. "Our own players are stars—Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam—these are big names. However, if needed, Lahore Qalandars have always welcomed cricket legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers."
Atif Rana also discussed teamwork and fan engagement. He appreciated PCB Chairman's initiative to upgrade stadiums, calling it crucial for enhancing fan experiences.
He highlighted how Gaddafi Stadium's limited capacity of 25,000 previously caused inconvenience for fans, but the growing popularity of Lahore Qalandars has now shifted the demand to ticket shortages.
Rana credited PCB's policies for attracting global stars to PSL and emphasized the importance of their year-round efforts in talent hunts and development programs. "Our family-like team decides which players to retain or add. The talent pool is so vast that it’s challenging to finalize selections," he concluded.
